Amended Decoupling Bill Passes Florida House Committee, FTBOA Expresses Disappointment
The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) expressed disappointment as an amended decoupling bill, House Bill 1263, passed the Florida House Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee with a vote of 11-4. The bill, which would allow jai alai frontons and harness tracks to decouple from pari-mutuel wagering, was seen by the FTBOA as a compromise that did not fully address their concerns.
The original bill proposed by Representative Jervonte Edmonds aimed to prevent decoupling but was amended to include a provision that would allow decoupling under certain conditions. This amendment was the source of contention for the FTBOA, who felt that it did not adequately protect the interests of the thoroughbred industry in Florida.
FTBOA President D.G. Van Clief Jr. stated that the organization was disappointed with the committee's decision, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the state's thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. The bill now moves to the House Commerce Committee for further consideration.
The decoupling issue has been a point of contention in Florida for years, with different factions within the pari-mutuel industry advocating for their interests. The passage of this bill represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over the future of pari-mutuel wagering in the state.
